by Veronica L. McClendon
Staff Writer
The first of the biannual talks in the Fasnacht Lecture Series is just around the corner. On Nov. 7, Founders Auditorium will be filled with students, faculty, and staff.
The Fasnacht lectures are given by a person who will have a strong impact on the University of La Verne.
According to Don Flora, director of church relations, “We like for them to be committed to their area to see how faith and spirituality are connected to their area of expertise.”
Janet Schrock will give the Fall semester lecture on Thursday at 10:30 am in Founders Hall Auditorium. She will speak on the topic “What Is Your Neighborhood? Who Are You In It?”
Schrock felt that this topic was of importance because,”I see the opportunities available to young people who can hear a different drum beat; the heartbeat of our nation’s neglected children and youth, the only hope of our future, “said Schrock in a written statement.
On this document Schrock also said, “I hope to inspire the young people at the University of La Verne to embrace the expansion and deepening of their neighborhoods, and to find ways to develop their creative energies in the coming years in this context.”
Schrock was chosen by a committee that is composed of students, faculty, trustees and staff.
“Together the group brings up different options and then we decide the person who we think will enhance the institution,” said Flora.
Members of the selection committee are Campus Minister Debbie Roberts; Dr. John Gingrich, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Jason Flick, student representative; and Trustee Paul Stanley.
Schrock is a member of the Church of Brethren. She graduated in 1958 from La Verne’s sister school, Manchester College in Indiana. Schrock has a Master’s degree in Peace Studies from Bethany Theological Seminary, and is director of the Brethren Volunteer Service in Elgin, Ill. Three years ago she was asked to serve on a task force to create a volunteer service program for the National Council of Churches as part of Clinton’s AmeriCorps, a national program for youth. As a result she became director of Ecumenical Program for Urban Service. Schrock focused on inner city programs for youth and children through church agencies.
The Fasnacht Lectures were established by the Fasnacht Chair of Religion in honor of a former president of the University, Emeritus Harold D. Fasnacht. He was also a proud member of the Church of Brethren.
The reason for this lecture is so that the institution can talk about the crossing of academic interests. The mission of the Church of Brethren Associated Institution is to push students and the La Verne community to see the history of what the institution is all about. The point of the lecture is to encourage students to see what opportunity and careers are in the world today.
“Fasnacht focuses in personal life were that faith and life melt together pretty well.” Flora went on to say issues of justice, a multitude area of academics can be enhanced by looking at it through faith.”
“Jan has been involved deeply with the national picture of the Church of the Brethren in the past decade. Her commitment to doing justice peacefully is profound and important in these times,” said Flora.
The Church of the Brethren is one of the three historical peace churches in the U.S. Schrock has been a member of the church for over a decade.
